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Golden Hill Residents Aren't MAD Anymore
I was gratified to read the court's ruling. For years, since before the vote when the City and the Greater Golden Hill Development Corporation advertised and supported the formation of the Maintenance District, my neighbors and I in South Park saw its illegality. With the City lacking the funds to repair such basic general services as infrastructure, I hope there is no intention to waste good money on yet another useless appeal. The people have spoken through the courts.......twice.— September 25, 2011 8:15 a.m.
Golden Hill CDC Late to Submit Audit for MAD Funds
Finally! I can hardly believe my eyes: The council actually DELAYED a decision pending an audit from the CDC!!! This seemingly small step is a HUGE victory for all of us residential Davids who have been asking the GGH-CDC and City Goliaths for audits and appropriate management of the ill-begotten MAD since its "passage" 4 summers ago. The CDC has gone through about 4 executive directors during that same amount of time; the legitimately elected MAD oversight board representing both zones and diverse types of owned property, was disbanded by the CDC board; there were problems with the landscape company paid with MAD funds; disagreements about expenditures for planters; any maintenance seems to be solely in business/commercial areas; and now there's some talk (not confirmed as of today) by the South Park Business Association of collecting trash from businesses paid for by the MAD. Guess who ultimately pays? All of us residential taxpayers who are taxed without any elected representation. I am hopeful the Council sees the light.— July 27, 2011 9:10 a.m.
Spread the Wealth
It's my understanding that a group of property owners filed a lawsuit against the City saying the MAD was in part(s) illegal. The ruling by the court was in favor of the property owners. The City is appealing. I wonder why the MAD assessments aren't put on hold and the "services" ended until the legal matter is settled? Seems the City is asking for more problems down the road trying to refund assessments when the appeal is also ruled in favor of the property owners.— May 3, 2010 5:30 p.m.
From Trashy to Classy
The trash can/doggie bag issue, as well as the clock, are simple, easy to understand examples that illustrate for all in the community the overwhelming power of the GGH-CDC. If the Oversight Board is passed over on these fairly low-level, benign neighborhood items, it's no wonder the CDC felt they could hire the Urban Corps for $262,000...taking 15%-20% for administrative overhead...to do the work already provided to our community by the City. Think about that: My trash is picked up, is yours? If I see graffiti, I call the City, within 24 hours, it's erased. The Park & Rec employees take care of GGH park areas. Property owners (residential and commercial) have an obligation to keep their properties orderly...if they don't and it bothers you, call City code compliance. We already pay taxes to the City for the services that our CDC has hired the Urban. Corps to do. Isn't that DOUBLE TAXATION? Our economy is in bad shape, many of us don't have enough "expendable" income to pay twice for the same service. I encourage the Oversight Board and all community members to stay informed and speak up; the CDC is supposed to be non-profit and work for our community providing, through the MAD taxes, ENHANCED services...and those are to be discussed and approved, if not generated, by the Oversight Committee.— August 27, 2008 10:50 a.m.
MAD's a No-Show
I read the article with interest because as a resident of GGH and an opponent of the MAD, I see that my fears about its implementation continue. The original purpose of the MAD was inaccurately promoted by the GGH-CDC last year and after it passed, narrowly in July '07, there was another election to create an Oversight Board whose purpose, as advertised on that ballot in November '07, was to implement all the extra services our increased taxes were to pay for. As I understand it, this Board has NO oversight power. It was by-passed when the the paid administrator was hired and it has been relagated to the back seat when important decisions regarding budget priorities are discussed. The residents who went to the scheduled July 21 meeting have legitimate concerns. Noticing the meetings, especially changing the expected date, is the least we property owners deserve, even though OUR elected members come in second place, after the GGH-CDC gets its way. Mr. Hargrove, thanks for your article.— July 26, 2008 10:04 a.m.